AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Mums, or chrysanthemums, are a universal signal of fall in the South. While their beauty and vibrant colors can add a lot to a porch or landscape, mums are known to be a little tricky to keep alive throughout the entire fall season. However, Lucy Edwards, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Chilton County, said having thriving mums is not out of reach, but long-term success depends on several factors.

Chrysanthemum Basics

One of the most popular fall plants, mums provide great pops of color to homes and gardens. However, much like a tomato plant, they seemingly find any excuse to prematurely wither away. Edwards said everyone needs to understand the basics of caring for mums to be successful.

“There are two main categories of mums: floral and garden,” Edwards said. “Floral mums are those that typically are not grown outside and sold by florists for arrangements. Garden mums are those that people see in garden centers during the fall.”

The two most common types are daisy mums and decorative flower mums. Popular colors of this species include white, bronze, yellow, red, coral, pink, lavender and red. Edwards said mums grow well in Alabama when properly cared for.

Mums require moist, well-draining soil combined with six hours or more of daily sunlight. Edwards said planting depth is also a factor.

“Plant your mums at the same depth as the size of their original containers,” she said. “It’s better to plant too shallow than too deep.”

A commonly forgotten practice with mums is dividing its shoots. By pinching new growth, this prevents long, spindly blooms and allows for more blooms across the entire plant. Deadheading spent flowers also aids in maintaining their appearance through the fall.

Choosing the Best Mums

Choosing the best mum is the most important aspect of care. Edwards said there are a couple of characteristics to look for when choosing the right plant at a garden center.

• Buy mums with primarily unopened blooms. When buying a mum, it can be tempting to grab the largest, fully blooming plant. Make sure to buy the mums with their blooms not quite open. This choice will allow for a longer bloom time once you get it home.
• Always check a chrysanthemum for insects and diseases. Nobody wants a sick plant. Be on the lookout for powdery mildew, a white powdery substance on the leaves. Fungal infection occurs quickly on dry plant surfaces at mild temperatures and at a relative humidity of at least 95%. The characteristic cottony patches are usually seen within a few days after infection. To control mildew, remove all infected leaves and treat the mum with an appropriately labeled fungicide.
• Always ensure the pot or container has sufficient drainage holes. Too much water can be as detrimental as too little water.
• Mums can be transplanted into a larger pot to allow for additional root growth. Gently break up the roots prior to planting. A larger container also provides room for more soil to hold adequate moisture for your mum.

Water is Imperative

Mums rely heavily on adequate watering, especially in dry or hot conditions. Edwards said this is the most common mistake when growing mums.

“It is easy to assume the plant is fine,” Edwards said. “Too often, cooler temperatures lead us to neglect the task of watering – especially if we have had a few afternoon rain showers. Before we realize it, there is a dead plant on the front porch.”

To content with dry soil, daily measurements of soil moisture should be routine. Feel the soil each morning to a depth of 1 inch. If the soil is moist, wait 24 hours and measure it again. If it feels dry — be sure to soak the soil well. Over time, one can tell if the mum is dry by weight. There is a significant difference in picking up a mum with saturated soil versus dry soil. Mums in dried soil are light.

It may be difficult to regularly measure water retention. In this case, plant chrysanthemums in a container that has a reservoir at the bottom. A saucer can also be added to collect water. These provisions can help extend watering intervals.

Edwards said one last attempt at revitalizing a dried mum — providing the leaves are still green — is to immerse the entire pot for 30 minutes to two hours.

More Information

Mums are an autumn staple for many decorators and horticultural enthusiasts. Following Edwards’ tips can help ensure that porches and landscapes remain colorful.

Media Release/Alabama Cooperative Extension System